See all properties

The Surf Shanty Motel

Property class: 2.5

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Surf Shanty Motel

A wave curling over a beach with a clear sky in the background. - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
A person walking on a beach with a surfboard. - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a painting on the wall. - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
A two-story motel with numbered balconies and a row of bicycles parked in front. - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
A tray with several tubes of MALIN+GOETZ body wash and a box of rum bar soap. - The Surf Shanty Motel (Dewey Beach)
Located close to Dewey Beach and Funland, The Surf Shanty Motel provides 20 beach bars. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

AARP members, discover the perfect stay for every budget with our fantastic hotel deals.

From charming, budget-friendly stays to premium, full-service hotels, find the perfect place to unwind—no matter your travel style or budget

Room options

View all photos for Ground Floor - Tub

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a computer, a TV, and a window with a view of the sea.

Ground Floor - Tub

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(33 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Second Floor - Shower

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a plant, and a view of the ocean.

Second Floor - Shower

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(39 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Third Floor - Shower

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a view of the ocean.

Third Floor - Shower

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(45 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Dewey Beach, The Surf Shanty Motel is near the beach. Shoppers can check out Tanger Outlets, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park. Don't miss out on a visit to Funland. Be sure not to miss outdoor adventures like ecotours and hiking/biking trails, or hop on a moped rental nearby and take a self-guided tour around the area. Visit our Dewey Beach travel guide
View more Motels in Dewey Beach
Map
21 Van Dyke Ave, Dewey Beach, DE, 19971

What's nearby

  • A wooden pier extending into the ocean at sunset.
    Dewey Beach
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A suspension bridge at sunset with the sun reflecting on the water.
    Indian Beach
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • A coastal scene with a rocky breakwater, calm water, and distant buildings.
    Delaware Seashore State Park
    14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Dewey Beach Parasail
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Bottle & Cork
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County)
    40 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Starboard
    10 min walk
  • Rusty Rudder
    4 min walk
  • Above the Dunes
    5 min drive
  • Dewey Beer Co.
    10 min walk
  • Woody's Dewey Beach
    9 min walk

Similar properties

A room with a large window overlooking a beach, two wooden chairs, and a table.
Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
Dewey Beach
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,345 reviews
Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking (max 1 space per unit)

Food and drink

  • 20 beach bars

Things to do

  • Free bicycle rentals

Family friendly

  • Mini-fridge

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lever door handles
  • No elevator
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Frequently asked questions

Is The Surf Shanty Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Surf Shanty Motel located?

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park. Rehoboth Beach and Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.2

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 333 out of 395 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 57 out of 395 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 395 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 395 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 395 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice property. Clean room! Bedding was comfy and linens fresh and lovely. Super convenient to the beach. Manager Andre was pleasant and welcoming. I do prefer access to more towels if needed. It was our first stay and we are already planning to return. As lifelong OC vacationers, and vacation homeowners in the past, Dewey is our new and forever vibe!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to beach. Free bike use. Clean!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Surf Shanty was a great place to stay! It was walking distance to all the best restaurants and bars. The hotel is cute and clean. Andre, the manager, was very friendly and helpful. Short walk to the beach and the bay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a GREAT stay at the motel for a few days throughout the week at the beginning of June. The staff was super attentive, the location to the beach was MORE than ideal, and the amenities were perfect for what we were needing. We very much will be using this motel in the future for our beach getaways!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay this week. Great location. Helpful staff. It was clean and safe.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Updated, cute, modern hotel at the beach and only a short walk from the water and places to go. Loved the design of the place and that it was more updated. Easy check in and check out.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the moment you arrive at the Surf Shanty, you can tell it's a well-kept establishment. Andre was so nice and helpful --he was always onsite and keeping the outdoor area clean. The rooms were clean and look exactly like the photos! There are ample towels and fun toiletries to try. I'm definitely buying the products! They were great. The beach is only a few steps away..a big plus! I loved everything about the Surf Shanty and will definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was clean and check in was smooth. The manager was nice and personable and very informative and thorough while setting up our key pad. You will not find a better location for the price. 2 minute walk to the beach and on site parking. My wife and I will absolutely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was fantastic and the access to the bikes was great. Room was clean. Two suggestions to make it even better - have a room key drop box for when checking out and have a guide in the room outlining the amenities like the bikes and when they are available.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean, staff was great, close to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Surf Shanty Motel was exceptional! We will be back! So close to the beach; within walking distance of all the restaurants and bars in Dewey. Literally pulled the car in the lot and never drove while we were there. Andre is extremely welcoming and always with a smile. The room was spotless! They have bikes you can use if you want as well & a free gift from the Surf Shack.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was one of the best experiences we've had while visiting Dewey Beach, Delaware! It was our first time staying here, and my boyfriend and I loved every second of our stay. Andre and his team are truly unmatched when it comes to hospitality. Their welcoming attitude, attention to detail, and genuine care for both their property and their guests made our visit exceptional. We felt valued from the moment we arrived and appreciated how dedicated the team was to ensuring we had a wonderful experience. We will definitely be returning next season and can't wait to stay here again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun motel near beach, always clean and friendly staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, great location and staff super friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location and friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were there for a sporting event. It was worth the extra drive. We came in the off season so it wasn't crowded or hard to get around. Just MINUTES to the beach :) Staff was kind. Overall, a great experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
loved staying here.. great location, can’t wait to be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room is clean , bed is comfortable , location is good, close to beach and shops, will come back
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient with close access to beach and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is always super nice. Hotel is quiet, clean, and in a good location. Stayed here 3 times now and always had a good experience l.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay, the rooms are very clean and modern. The location of this motel was perfect. The staff was extremely friendly. I really enjoyed my stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved our time at the Surf Shanty - very clean, comfortable, modern, and amazing location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean property. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location!

Great location. Cute decor. Convenient check in and out.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025